Big weight off my shoulders!

verystupidwithmoney

I have just submitted my CCCS application and sent my creditors letters and my DMP will be starting in Feburary! I am so, so, so happy! :T

I have heard good reviews about CCCS - how have they been with you guys? did the creditors mostly stop hassling you? My total debt was ~£7500 and it's huge weight on my shoulders (small compared to other people, I appreciate that).

Thanks!

Tixy

Hi and welcome

Well done for setting up your DMP. Usually when you start a DMP you may get a couple of months of calls/letters from creditors hassling you. Just quote your CCCS ref number and refuse to discuss things further. They may try to bully you, be strong and tell them CCCS will stop your DMP if you pay them anything extra.
You could send the telephone harrasment letter if it gets too annoying.

You'll probably find some accept your DMP payments almost straight away and freeze interest and others will be more difficult. Most will freeze interest eventually but if any refuse make sure you and CCCS keep pestering away at them.

Most people on here get on very well with CCCS, and if you ever have problems or want to ask them something anonymously then you will find the ask a CCCS counsellor thread useful at the top of this board.

Good luck.

jennihen

Well done for having the courage to deal with your debts. I haven't dealt with CCCS myself - I used a booklet they sent me - but I have heard good reports and recommend them.
Here's hoping 2010 is much less stressful for you.
Good luck
JH

verystupidwithmoney

Hi Tixy,

Thank you for your kind response. Already I have told them on the phone and already it seems to have 'died' down a little already.

I will never ever get into this mess ever again. It's completely not worth it (but University was and I have a fairly decent job now).

I tried managing it on my own but it was a nightmare for me. I'm actually not even concerned its on my credit history because my credit history currently isn't worth the paper its written on anyway!

I'm looking forward to receiving my welcome pack and my fresh coop cash manager account!

It'll take ~7 years to clear my debt but I plan on paying chunks of from a few other money making efforts I'm going to attempt this year

Thanks

verystupidwithmoney

jennihen wrote: »

Well done for having the courage to deal with your debts. I haven't dealt with CCCS myself - I used a booklet they sent me - but I have heard good reports and recommend them.
Here's hoping 2010 is much less stressful for you.
Good luck
JH

Thank you jennihen!

I first looked at companies offering DMP plans. However, they are attempting to legally rob me blind. Why on earth anyone would pay for something which is free is beyond me. As martin said they offer nothing else the CCCS offer and CCCS staff actually seem nicer. I imagine those paid DMP companies work on some commission too.

I have to admit I feel 'guilty' about the situation I got myself into. However, i keep telling myself I'm not the only one and I certainly won't be the last.

Those DMP companies still keep contacting me. Infact, one contact me today and I said, rudely, 'You're secretly trying to pull my pants down aren't you?' haha. He didn't know what to say. I know it's not his fault but oh well (it's the same guy contacting me time and time again).

I'm looking forward to seeing my debt reduce over time! I learnt my lesson the hard way eh?

Thanks,

Tixy

Thats the right attitude. Your target may be 7years now but a lot can happen in that time, hopefully you can find ways to make savings on your outgoings or as you say find other ways to make money so that you can either increase the payments to CCCS or save up to make F&F offers to the smaller creditors.

Then of course there is always a chance of payrises meaning you can increase your payments. That 7years is your starting point but there are lots of ways you can reduce that over time.

Are you fairly happy you can manage on the budget you and CCCS have set for your household expenses? If you need tips on reducing costs then you'll find lots of advice on DFW and also on the old style money saving board.

verystupidwithmoney

Tixy wrote: »

Thats the right attitude. Your target may be 7years now but a lot can happen in that time, hopefully you can find ways to make savings on your outgoings or as you say find other ways to make money so that you can either increase the payments to CCCS or save up to make F&F offers to the smaller creditors.

Then of course there is always a chance of payrises meaning you can increase your payments. That 7years is your starting point but there are lots of ways you can reduce that over time.

Are you fairly happy you can manage on the budget you and CCCS have set for your household expenses? If you need tips on reducing costs then you'll find lots of advice on DFW and also on the old style money saving board.

I'll 100% reduce that over time by a lot. I just feel more organised and not on the battlefield as much if that makes sense.

Yes. CCCS have actually been quite generous if I'm going to be honest. I'm trying to cut my shopping bill down a lot by eating better things and cooking from scratch. I cooked a meal on Saturday evening for myself and I cooked way more than needed and I've got my last portion ready for tonight :-) in total it cost me ~£4.80. It's my favourite meal so I have no problem eating it day after day. ~4.80 for 2.5 days of food seems quite good to me.